Yes, by far the worst performance of the Pioli helm.

We got annihilated by Atalanta as well (twice), but it's one thing against a team that almost reached the CL semi finals last year, and another against a newly promoted side who is fighting relegation.

That's what's baffling here. The opponent. To lose in such a way against Spezia is truly surreal. We were inexistent, and we had an entire week to prepare this match, which is a luxury you don't get very often these days.

Inexcusable.

I actually watched the whole match.

Why did Piola field the U15s?

And why did no one tell me there's one of them that looks exactly like Ibra?

Missed this one out.

This could very well be the start of our downfall if we don't pull ourselves together and start playing better.

Hope the team keeps a tight ship, and aims for a CL birth... If by the final stretch of the season Milan is in pole position then we can hope for a Scudetto.

First place should not be an obsession for the team, as there is an inter side and a Juve side which are very much capable to go the full length of the marathon. inter are also focused on Serie A with no European or cup distractions.

Milan should watch out for Lazio, Roma, Atalanta and the likes to secure the CL birth.

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Feb 14 2021, 08:48 AM

This is not about CL or Scudetto objectives, it's about losing in a disgraceful way against a team fighting relegation. We had a fully fit squad, one entire week to prepare the game, yet we didn't have one shot on target. Not one shot!

It leaves a very bitter taste, because I can understand not keeping up with Juventus, Inter or Atalanta when they're at their best, but I cannot understand being humiliated like this against Spezia.

As William said, there was something wrong mentally with the team last night. We thought we'd get the usual 3 points without much effort as we've done thus far against such teams, but faced instead a team that pressed like crazy for the whole match, who put their whole soul in their performance. We were nowhere on the pitch last night, and I sincerely hope it acts as a wake up call that no games should be taken so lightly anymore.

My teams are going through the same sh*t right now. Rangers too took their foot off the gas and while we haven't lost yet, we've been way off the pace.

Both Rangers and Milan reflect each other bizarrely this season and indeed in 2011, the last time both sides won their leagues.

Our next fixtures:

18/02 - Red Star away
21/02 - Inter home
25/02 - Red Star home
28/02 - Roma away
03/03 - Udinese home
07/03 - Verona away

Basically one game every 3 days. Crucial point in our season. If we don't show up right now, we'll get lost on our way.

Inter on top of the table.

Gladly we have the derby to redeem that.

Inter are now favourites and have clear momentum.

The derby decides the title. Quite simply.

I think it?s become fairly obvious that our main problem is that we suffer a lot from the forced pressing of the opponent. If they press us intensely throughout the game, then we get completely outclassed. Case in point, Lille, Atalanta and Spezia last night.

And that?s because we are a team used to playing with the handbrake pulled, jogging on the pitch, and finding the right opening when the situation arises. We are not used to a very intense playing style. And in the Italian league playing like this for the most part is enough, because it is a slow and tactical league.

If we want to get better, we need to evolve beyond this disposition. But that?s easier said than done.

Very interesting assessment. I agree with you. But, do you think if we evolve our play to just perfecting our current playstyle, would that be a solution? Granted we don't have Xavi and Iniesta. But, Bennacer/Kessie are still very good. I don't know but you can argue that any playstyle is not perfect.

Very interesting assessment. I agree with you. But, do you think if we evolve our play to just perfecting our current playstyle, would that be a solution? Granted we don't have Xavi and Iniesta. But, Bennacer/Kessie are still very good. I don't know but you can argue that any playstyle is not perfect.

I really don't know. This team is still a huge question mark. We've shown incredible sign of improvement over the past 12 months, but we've also showcased severe limitations. I think from here on out till the end of the season will truly show how far we can go. Starting from the derby. I expect a huge game from our players. It's now or never.

EL tonight, aside from this fixture let's look at who else is in the competition and if Milan get past this round who could be potential stumbling blocks to the final.

Tottenham, United, PSV, Roma, Ajax/Lille, Arsenal, Napoli, Villarreal, and Leverkusen are all credible opponents.

So if we pass this round, then Round of 16 will be mid March, then Qtr finals beg April to mid, Semi finals end of April and beg May, with the final May 26.

Long road ahead, with lots of surprises.

Historically this is not Milan's, perfered tournament, so I'm not really excited about this. Just that this young team can get some much needed European exposure to prepare for a CL debut next season (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)